Techbargains: Keyboard Reviews

We have to hand it to Roccat, a German maker of gaming peripherals, for making a concerted effort to expand its reach within the U.S. market. It's not easy going up against established players like Razer and Logitech, but Roccat has managed to build a reputation for itself by cranking out high end peripherals with unique features, including the company's Easy-Shift[+] (assign secondary functions for keys or buttons) and Talk (allow different devices to communicate with one another) technologies.

Up for review here is Roccat's Ryos MK Pro mechanical gaming keyboard. Roccat gave the U.S. market dibs on its recently released Ryos Series, and the MK Pro is the top end model in the lineup with all the bells and whistles. The one we have in for review uses Cherry MX Brown mechanical key switches, which offer a tactile bump but are quiet. The Ryos MK is also available with Cherry MX Blue (tactile and audible), Cherry MX Black (no tactile bump or audio click), and Cherry MX Red (no tactile bump or audible click, lower compression point and operating force compared to Black).

Outside of mechanical key switches, this plank wields two 32-bit ARM Cortex processors and 2MB of flash memory to power and store a wealth of features such as per-key illumination, three profiles, five dedicated macro keys, 94 programmable keys in all, and more.

There's a lot to cover here, so without further ado, let's get started!

Per-key illuminated mechanical keyboard with 113 keys

Advanced anti-ghosting with N-key rollover

Choice of four Cherry MX key switches (Brown reviewed here)

3 programmable thumbster keys (T1-T3)

5 programmable macro keys (M1-M5)

94 other programmable keys

1000Hz polling rate

1ms response time

USB 2.0 hub

Headphone and microphone jacks

1.8m rear-exit braided cable

1 x audio in; 1 x audio out; 2 x USB 3.0 ports

Dimensions: 23.4 cm x 50.8 cm

Warranty: 1 year

Price: $160 (street)

What We Liked:

You Light Up My Life, Baby: There are very few keyboards on the market that allow you to customize the LED backlight on a per-key basis. This is one of them. As shipped to us, the default configuration for one of the three profiles is to have the WASD, Macro, Function, Thumbster, and Profile keys illuminated while the rest remain dark. You can customize this however you wish, lighting up only the keys you want, or all or none of them. Heck, you can even configure the brightness, but that's not all. Keys can blink, fade, offer macro execution feedback, and light up or go to sleep after a set period of time. This is one of the most robust uses of LED backlighting we've ever seen.

Let's Go Cherry Picking: Roccat's Ryos MK Pro is available in four different Cherry MX switch types (Black, Blue, Red, and Brown), each with its own characteristics. Whether you're a fan of tactile feedback with audible clicks or prefer a quiet plank, there's a Ryos MK Pro for you. We only sampled the Cherry MX Brown, but as far as the typing experience goes, it felt like other keyboards that use these same switches, which is a very good thing. Roccat didn't muck around with key spacing or sizing, so your fingers are able to find all the keys naturally.

Built-In Convenience: There are two built-in USB 2.0 ports on the upper right corner of the plank, and on the opposite side are headphone and microphone inputs. Since you're never far from your keyboard when playing games, this renders the length of your headset's cables moot, though it comes as the expense of cable clutter.

Macros and Media Keys: All 12 Function keys double as media keys, and there are five dedicated macro keys on the left of the keyboard. In addition, you can toggle between three different profiles, plus assign dual functions to every key through Roccat's Easy-Shift[+] technology. If you own a Roccat mouse with Roccat Talk technology, the keyboard and mouse can communicate with each other for even more customization options.

Smudge Free Zone: If you're snacking on Cheetos or anything else that makes a mess, you're going to gunk up your keyboard, there's just no two ways about it. However, if you keep your hands clean, you won't have to worry about leaving behind smudges and smears. Even though it has glossy accents, it's not a glossy keyboard, though you might think it is because of the micro-dotted surface. This is intended to give it a sleek and glossy look without attracting fingerprints, and it works as advertised.

What We Didn't Like:

Big and Bulky: The Roccat Ryos MK Pro is bigger than most keyboards, especially since the wrist rest that extends off the bottom isn't removable. We suspect there's some electronics underneath that prevented Roccat from making it removable.

Expensive: This plank goes for about $160 street. That's a hefty price for a keyboard without a built-in LCD panel.

Our Verdict:

We'll keep this simple -- if you don't need a built-in LCD panel and can afford the asking price, we have absolutely no hesitation in recommending the Roccat Ryos MK Pro. This is one of the finest and most feature rich gaming planks on the market, and we're particularly impressed with the amount of LED backlight customization. About the only thing you can't do with the per-key illumination settings is change the color (it only glows blue) but most everything else is fair game.

Though it's a large keyboard, we had no trouble using the Ryos MK Pro both for gaming and as a daily workhorse for productivity chores. The software makes it relatively easy to configure, and with so much programmability built-in, you can configure a truly customized plank, both for work and play. It's expensive, but given all that it offers, the Ryos MK Pro justifies its price tag.

If Logitech ever got into the rap game, the company would tell you PC gaming ain't nothing but a G-thang.' Thankfully, Logitech isn't chasing after a rap career and instead is content to focus its efforts on PC gaming peripherals, hence the birth of its G line of accessories.
What we're examining here is Logitech's G510s plank for gamers. For those who don't want to drop a pair of Benjamins on Logitech's G19s, the G510s is a more affordable alternative that doesn't feel gimped next to its pricier sibling. In fact, the G510s even trumps the G19s in some areas, most notably in the number of programmable G-keys (18 versus 12).

It has a GamePanel LCD just like the G19s, though it's a monochrome display instead of color and it doesn't boast tilt functionality. Therein lays the bulk of the $80 tradeoff, though there are other differences that separate these two gaming planks, which we'll cover below.
Is Logitech's G510s the keyboard for you? We want to help you answer that question, but before we walk this plank, let's glance over the specs:

Shh, Don't Wake the Kids: If gaming into the wee hours of the morning is your thing, have at it, the G510s is a quiet companion that won't disturb the peace. The click action isn't quite on par with a mechanical plank, but the rubber dome key switches hardly register a peep even when you forcefully tap a key.

Play It in G Key: Logitech splattered the left side of the G510s with a healthy dose of programmable G keys, 18 in all. Not only are there plenty of programmable keys at your disposable, but right above are three mode buttons. That means you can configure up to 54 unique functions, more than enough for even the most demanding gamer. We also like how Logitech arranged the G keys into three clumps of six keys for easier navigation.

Built to Last: At $120 MSRP, the G510s isn't the most expensive gaming keyboard on the market, but it's not exactly cheap either. If we're going to drop that much on a keyboard, it should be well constructed, and the G510s fits the bill. It packs a bit of heft and feels up to the task of absorbing the kind of long-term abuse that only gamers dish out.

Look at the Pretty Colors: Logitech didn't outfit the G510s with independent color zones (boo!), but it did include a backlight that lets you choose from 16 million different color options (yay!). Furthermore, you can assign a unique color to each profile mode, which should help you identify which mode you're in at a glance. You can also adjust the intensity of the backlight, or shut it off entirely.

Integrated Audio: Having trouble with your onboard sound? Don't fret over it, the G510s boasts integrated USB audio. To the left of the GamePanel LCD you'll find headphone and microphone ports, which you can independently control.

GamePanel LCD: The GamePanel LCD is a thoughtful addition for a keyboard in this price range. In order to squeeze it in without jacking up the price, Logitech had to go with a monochrome display, but that's of little consequence if you're mainly looking to glance your vitals and other information, as opposed to watching YouTube videos.

What We Didn't Like:

Short Term Memory: One of the differences between the G19s and the G510s is that the latter lacks built-in memory. That means you can't store custom settings and profile information in the keyboard itself; all that data resides on your PC. Talk about a bummer if you're just looking to tote your plank to a friend's LAN party rather than your entire system.

No USB Ports: Another tradeoff between this and the G19s is the lack of a built-in USB hub. That's probably not an issue if you're gaming on a tower system that's already loaded up with USB ports, but if you're using a notebook, that's a bit of a drag.

Our Verdict:

It's hard to find fault with Logitech's G510s. Sure, there are a few tradeoffs between the G510s and the flagship G19s -- no USB hub, lacks built-in memory, and the GamePanel LCD is monochrome -- but the G510s is also $80 less expensive. That's enough to buy a couple of triple A titles, or a barrel full of games during any of Steam's frequent fire sales.
The G510s exhibits the quality we've come to expect from Logitech. It's sturdy, boasts quiet key strokes, and offers lots of customization, including up to 54 macros spread out through 18 G-keys and three modes.

One other thing we should point out is that the G510s isn't overly large or aggressive in appearance. If you wanted to use this as your daily typer in an office setting, you could very well do that, and there are even some benefits outside of gaming. Receiving RSS feeds and/or email notifications in the GamePanel LCD, for example, as well as dedicated media keys are both office friendly. Even the G-keys can come in handy for productivity chores.

Logitech packed a lot of value into a versatile keyboard that's easy to recommend.

We find that there are times when using an onscreen keyboard on our tablet or smartphone just does not cut the cake (or even the scones). Any typing beyond the length of a text or quick email is cause for the frustration of poking and repoking at the screen, trying to get the cursor in the right spot, backspacing over errors (Oops! went too far), etc. Oh, to have a regular keyboard. Well, the kindred spirits at Scosche have heard our silent agony, and now offer us the freeKey Bluetooth keyboard, a highly transportable, resilient, reasonably sized keyboard that just might make those mobile text entry and navigation chores easier. How much easier? We'll take a poke at telling you that, right after we take a spin around some features and specs.

Bendable For Easy Transport: The freeKey will roll up, fold in half, and conform to whatever shape space you have in your bag for transport.

Lightweight: At under 5 oz., the freeKey keyboard is very lightweight, as you would expect for a keyboard designed for use (typically) with a tablet or smartphone.

Unbelievably Long Battery Life: We couldn't verify the claimed 60 hours (!) of battery life for the keyboard. However, we charged it once when we started testing (about 2 hours to charge), and used the keyboard for about a month doing blog entries, emails, general text entry, and web browsing. (Frankly, sometimes we prefer surfing with a physical keyboard that has PG UP/DN and directional keys over constantly stroking our screens.)

Water Resistant: Scosche's promo video shows a cup of water being poured on the keyboard. The only possible entry point for liquid that we could find is at the switch/charging port cover, and you'd probably have to submerge the keyboard to get water in there. No question that routine spills are no problem for the freeKey. If you like to snack while you use the keyboard, a quick rinse under the faucet should clear off those Cheetos crumbs.

Extra Keys: A real keyboard has more keys than any onscreen keyboard we have used to date, notably arrow keys, menu key, control and alt keys (yes, CTRL-X and CTRL-V do work in Android!), and a full set of Function keys. We use our smartphones and tablets like little computers, and getting text entered and edited with a real keyboard was a joy. (We almost wept.) We appreciate the discrete inverted-T keypad, as well as PG UP and PG DN keys, which are useful for browsing and text entry.

Retractable USB Cable Provided: Usually when a manufacturer provides a cable for charging, it's a standard USB or microUSB cable. We like that Scosche provided a more premium retractable USB cable (mini B connector). It may take up a wee bit more space, but it keeps things neater without extra cable flopping all over the place, and as we know, neatness counts!

Paired Easily With Devices: Pairing mode is initiated by a discrete button on the left side of the keyboard. We paired the freeKey keyboard with a Xoom tablet and a Galaxy Nexus phone, both running Android 4.0.4 (Honeycomb or later is required), as well as a Windows 7 PC. Everything paired without a problem, and the keyboard reconnected automatically to the Android devices whenever it was turned back on. Scosche includes printed instructions for pairing to all the supported devices too, which is handy for folks who find that pairing can sometimes be a little frustrating.

What We Didn't Like:

Repeated and Missed Keystrokes:(Actual unedited input from the freeKey): Here is a hint aout what we didn't like about the keyboard. Actually this i turnin out pretty well compare to some of our typing experiences. here i a bit o a tendency for the keyoard to produce repeated keystrokes, and there is, as wel, a bit of a tenencccy to have keystrokes drop out.
(Back to standard keyboard input): Part of this is due to the key action itself. There is some "travel" in the keys. However, the travel is quite short, and there is no associated sound for feedback. Even after many hours of use, we experienced keystroke dropouts, hesitation, and repeats. Sometimes the repetition is due to a delay in the input appearing on the screen, prompting us to hit the key again (because there is little tactile or audible feedback) ... then 2-3 repeated letters would appear. Results do improve when one slows normal typing speed down a bit, and it's pretty much mandatory that the keyboard be used on a very flat and stiff surface. (By the way, we have experienced similar dropouts and repeats with another make of bluetooth keyboard, so there may be an inherent weakness in the transmission of keystroke data via bluetooth.)

I/O Cover Is Not Attached: Minor quibble, but the little cover for the charging port and on/off switch is not attached. We see the possibility of this going missing for many folks after not too many weeks of use.

Our Verdict:

We suspect that folks who use their tablets and smartphones for anything more than casual text entry understand the true usefulness of a physical keyboard to facilitate the task, as well as to extend the capabilities beyond the onscreen keyboard. The Scosche freeKey provided the physical QWERTY keyboard we love, as well as a full set of F keys, inverted T-pad, and all the other keys we find so useful for entering and editing text and navigating documents. Other qualities that we liked were the light weight and flexibility, which allows you to fit it into just about any available space in your pack or bag. We liked the fast 2 hour charge time, and we loved the mind-blowing 60 hour battery life. Wrapping up the pluses, we liked the waterproof silicone skin, easy pairing with other devices, and the handy retractable USB cable. On the downside, we did find that the keyboard has a tendency to repeat letters even when we don't hold them down, and to miss keystrokes. However, slowing down keystroke input minimizes this tendency, though it never goes away fully. One other minor detraction we found was that the cover for the charging port and power switch is not attached, and being so small, there is a risk for losing it. All in all, the Scosche freeKey made our text entry and editing, and general navigation much easier to accomplish than using the built-in onscreen keyboard of our devices, but it does come with a degree of frustration in its shortcomings.

Look, I'm a big fan of mechanical keyboards. I converted away from those mushy membrane planks several years ago and have been rocking a mechanical board ever since. Early on I was in the minority, and I still am, but as time goes on, more and more typists are discovering what all the fuss is about. I'm no longer part of an exclusive club, but an early adopter who's fast becoming a part of the rank and file. And that's fine by me. As our numbers grow, so too do the number of manufacturers producing mechanical keyboards, which lends itself to variety and lower prices.

Cooler Master is one such company that makes mechanical planks, and the one I'm evaluating here is CM's Quick Fire Pro for gamers. One of the cool things about this keyboard is it's available with four different Cherry MX key switches. The one I've been testing is the Cherry MX Brown version, but there are three other SKUs that ship with Cherry MX Black, Blue, or Red to suit your tastes (figuratively -- these cherries aren't edible, folks).

I'll share my impressions with this particular plank in just a moment, but first, here's a glance at some key features:

Cherry MX Brown key switches (Black, Blue, and Red also available)

NKRO in USB mode

6/Full N Key rollover

Multimedia shortcuts

1000Hz/1ms response time

Windows key disabled in game mode

Partial red LED backlight

Removable braided USB cable (1.8m) with cable routing

Dimensions: 17.9 x 6.1 x 1.2 inches (LxWxH)

Weight: 2.86 pounds

Price: $100 street

What We Liked:

Built Like a Brick: Ever see a gamer get all worked up during an intense frag fest, or after losing a boss battle? It's not pretty, and as one myself, I can say we tend to take out our frustrations on our keyboards, which is usually cheaper than punching a hole in the monitor (or wall). The Quick Fire Pro can withstand the abuse. It's thick, heavy, and feels solid. That doesn't mean you should go Marvel and Hulk Smash the thing, but if you do lose your cool, Cooler Master's keyboard has a better shot at surviving the aftermath than that $15 plank you picked up at K-Mart.

Hey Look, LEDs: Cooler Master cooked up a partial red LED lighting scheme with three different modes that control how it functions. Mode 1 (or Gaming Cluster) lights up the all-important WASD and arrow keys; Mode 2 (Extended Gaming Cluster) lights up some surrounding keys around WASD; and Mode 3 (Extended Gaming Cluster -- Breathing) lights up the same keys, but they slowly fade in and out.

Detachable Cable: USB cables break. I can say this with authority, because the USB tip on my Das Keyboard is giving up the ghost and has a difficult time holding a connection. The Quick Fire Pro, on the other hand, ships with a detachable cable, so in theory, you could replace a faulty cord without buying a brand new keyboard. The other upside to this is that it's perhaps a bit more portable, or at least neater to pack when traveling, on vacation or to LAN parties.

Cherry MX Buffet: I tested the Cherry MX Brown version of this keyboard, which uses tactile mechanical key switches that are medium height and not clicky. I find these to be acceptable not just for gaming, but for daily typing chores as well, but if you prefer a different type of feedback, the Quick Fire Pro is also available with Cherry MX Black, Blue, or Red key switches. Well played, Cooler Master.

Well Designed: The Quick Fire Pro adds a bit of style to your desktop, one that's themed for gamers and geeks with a slightly futuristic font on the key labels. We also appreciate the switchable 6/N-Key rollover functions and included key removal tool.

What We Didn't Like:

Where's the USB Hub?: Not here, apparently. There are no built-in USB ports or headphone/mic inputs. That's a bummer, especially considering how thick this board is. Heck, there's enough room to accommodate an built-in optical drive if Cooler Master wanted to, but we'd be happy with a pair of USB ports (even if just USB 2.0).

Only Partial LED Lighting: I like that Cooler Master lets you switch between three different LED modes (as well as turn them off completely), but each configuration only illuminates a small portion of the keyboard. A full backlight -- one that's adjustable -- would be a welcome upgrade.

Macros Gone Missing: As a gaming keyboard, it's a little curious that Cooler Master left out dedicated macro keys, or even custom software that would allow you to program macros on the existing keys.

Our Verdict:

For 100 bones (street), Cooler Master has come up with a compelling option in the growing mechanical keyboard market. Sure, the Quick Fire Pro could benefit from dedicated macro keys, a built-in USB hub, and a full backlight, but unless those are deal killers, the rest of the feature set is worth checking out. I especially like that you can pick and choose from one of four different Cherry MX key switches, because let's face it, one size rarely fits all -- some people are into obnoxiously loud keyboards (go for Cherry MX Blue) and other prefer silence (Cherry MX Black has your name all over it).

Bear in mind that the Quick Fire Pro is a chunky plank, and heavy too, which could be an issue if you're looking for something portable. At the same time, it doesn't take up any more horizontal space than a traditional keyboard, and it's sturdy, which means a fist of fury isn't likely to send keys crumpling to the floor (though it might scare the cat).

All said, Cooler Master's Quick Fire Pro is an easy recommendation for anyone shopping a mechanical plank. The question is, which key switches will you choose?

If you fancy yourself a Techbargains junkie, are a fan of Thermaltake products, or both, then you're probably familiar with Thermaltake's Meka series of mechanical keyboards. There are three main builds to choose from, which include the barebones Meka we reviewed in January, the Meka G1 we're taking a look at here, and the Meka G1 Unit that we recently reviewed separately.

The Meka G1 is a slightly larger and fleshed out version of the Meka. Whereas we concluded the original Meka was "stuck between a rock and a hard place" because it lacked some basic features for gaming and had a cramped layout that made it a poor choice for daily typing chores, the Meka G1 is a standard sized plank with media controls and other amenities not found on the original.

Of course, the real stars of the show are the mechanical key switches. Compared to traditional membrane keyboards with rubber domes, mechanical key switches offer greater durability, less key travel to register strokes, and in some cases, a satisfying 'CLICK' sound. The switches on all three Meka keyboards are of the quiet type (Cherry MX Black) and seem to be preferred among gamers who don't want to keep their spouses or children up late at night to the sound of frantic key presses.

If this was the story of Goldilocks and the Three Geeky Bears, the trespassing protagonist would ultimately declare that the Meka G1 feels just right. The question is, will you? Let's find out.

Interface: USB (PS/2 adapter included)

2 x USB 2.0 ports

Switch lifecycle: 50 million keystrokes

Switch brand: Cherry MX Black

1000Hz polling rate

Multimedia hotkeys

Detachable palm rest

Audio jacks

Cable length: 1.5m military grade cable

Body dimension: 430 (L) x 160 (W) x 40 (H) mm

Warranty: 2 years

Price: ~$110 (street)

What We Liked:

It's Mechanical: Plain and simple, mechanical keyboards are superior to regular keyboards in every way. They boast lower key travel to register a click, and by extension, offer less finger fatigue; they're more durable with higher quality key switches that, in this case, are rated for 50 million keystrokes; and they usually offer more satisfying feedback than what you'll get with a membrane-based keyboard. All three Meka keyboards use Cherry MX Black key switches designed for quiet typing, so while they don't offer the audible feedback that other switches do, they're still very pleasant to type on compared to traditional planks.

Media Keys: The Meka G1 integrates seven media keys into the dual-purpose Function keys (F1-F7). These include Skip Backward, Play/Pause, Stop, Skip Forward, Volume Up, Volume Down, and Mute. You hold down the Fn key to use these commands, which is situated where the Windows key would normally reside (Thermaltake moved the Windows key to the right side of the keyboard where you're less likely to press it when playing a WASD game).

Built-In USB Hub: Almost every gadget these days uses USB, which makes USB ports a valuable commodity. The Mega G1 includes a two-port USB hub to negate the two USB slots you'll have to sacrifice on your system to use this keyboard (one for the keyboard itself and the other for the USB hub).

Audio Jacks: The Meka G1 also includes audio jacks for microphone-in and speaker-out functions, a handy feature if you happen to sit a fair distance away from your PC. In testing, we didn't notice any abnormal effects, such as unwanted noise or crackling.

Love For the Old School: Somewhat oddly, the Meka G1 ships with a USB-to-PS/2 adapter. This may prove useful if you're out of USB ports on your desktop or notebook, or you may choose to use it for the N-key rollover function, which allows you to press multiple keys at the same time. If connecting the Meka G1 via USB, you're limited to 6 simultaneously key strokes.

What We Didn't Like

Still Lacks Gaming Features: The Meka G1 is more fleshed out than the barebones Meka, but it still lacks several gaming goodies. It doesn't have a backlight, designated macro keys, advanced anti-ghosting, or user profiles.

Muted Keystrokes: This one comes down to personal preference, but if you enjoy the audible 'CLICK' that Cherry MX Blue switches provide, this isn't the plank for you. It's not a completely silent keyboard, but it's comparatively quiet and lacks the snap action found on louder mechanical keyboards.

Beefy Bundle of Cables: Braided cables are well and good, but be prepared to route a thick bundle that's bigger than some snakes you might find in your garden. They're also sturdy a bit tough to bend. Why? It's because Thermaltake bundled four cables together: two USB cables and two audio lines.

Our Verdict:

The Mega G1 improves upon the original Meka's design with integrated media keys, audio inputs, a detachable palm rest, and a full size layout more appropriate for daily typing. For only about $10 (street) extra, it's the obvious choice between the two, save for folks specifically looking for a compact plank to lug around to LAN parties. Even then, the Mega G1 isn't particularly large or unwieldy, it's just not as cramped as the Meka.

This is still a mostly barebones keyboard, however, at least for gamers. Its missing several features that diehard gamers will be interested in. There are no macro keys or user profiles to switch between, there isn't a backlight or other bits of bling, and even the WASD keys haven't been color coded or otherwise specially marked to stand out from the rest.

That doesn't mean the Mega G1 isn't without an audience. Gamers who aren't interested in messing around with sometimes complicated macros but still want a mechanical keyboard are the ones who should consider the Meka G1. It's quiet, durable, and fairly pleasant to type on, provided you're a fan of Cherry MX Black key switches.

What does gaming peripheral maker Thermaltake have in common with American rapper 50 Cent (or Curtis James Jackson III, if you will)? Both are the creators of a G-Unit; the latter's a hip-hop group run by a guy who was once shot nine times at close range and lived to tell about it, and the former's a mechanical gaming keyboard that probably couldn't survive a bullet, but can survive the pounding of 50 million keystrokes from caffeinated gamers.

The G-Unit is the flagship plank in Thermaltake's Meka line of mechanical keyboard, and naturally it's also the most full featured. It picks up where the Meka and Meka G1 leave off and adds additional features like dedicated media keys, a dozen fixed and eight unified macro keys, three profiles, built-in memory, a custom user interface, and more, all wrapped in a slightly aggressive looking board with partial LED backlighting.

Like the other Meka boards, the G-Unit runs tough with Cherry MX Black key switches. They're not as clickity-clackity as Cherry MX Blue switches and don't have the same satisfying feedback, but they also won't keep your roommate up all night as you frag into the wee hours of the morning.

On paper, Thermaltake's G-Unit seems like the perfect plank for gamers. But how is it in practice?

Interface: USB

2 x USB 2.0 ports

Switch lifecycle: 50 million keystrokes

Switch brand: Cherry MX Black

1000Hz polling rate

Multimedia hotkeys

Detachable palm rest

Audio jacks

Cable length: 1.8m braided (detachable)

Macro keys

Anti-ghosting function

Body dimension: 517 (L) x 166.6 (W) x 36.6 (H) mm

Warranty: 2 years

Price: $140 MSRP

What We Liked:

Low Noise, High Performance: Most of today's keyboards are built using squishy membrane layers and dome shaped rubber switches. The keys feel mushy and typically don't offer much tactile feedback. They're also fairly inexpensive to produce, which is why they're so common today. Mechanical keyboards, on the other hand, are throwbacks to the once popular IBM Model M keyboard from nearly three decades ago. They use physical switches underneath every key, are expensive to produce, and are much more durable. Like Thermaltake's other Meka keyboards, the G-Unit uses non-tactile Cherry MX Black switches that are generally preferred among gamers, though not ideally suited for general purpose typing. Thermaltake rates the switch lifecycle at 50 million keystrokes, which means if you hammer out 2,500 words every day, the keyboard will last longer than a decade (based on 5 keystrokes per word).

Record Macros Like A Boss: The G-Unit is the only Meka keyboard that supports macros, and it does it in style. There are a dozen dedicated macro keys, eight unified macro keys, and three user profiles to switch between. That works out to up to 60 macros, or 20 per profile, which you record using downloadable software from Thermaltake. There's also an Instant Switch System that allows you to access all 60 macro functions from within a single profile, should the need arise.

Customizable Lighting: There are three individual white illuminated sections on the G-Unit, each of which can be customized with four levels of brightness (0 percent, 33 percent, 66 percent, and 100 percent), plus a pulse lighting effect. The dedicated sections help you quickly identify keys normally used for gaming, such as WASD and the arrow keys.

Built-In Ports: The G-Unit features a two-port USB hub and audio jacks for microphone-in and speaker-out functions, but unlike the Meka G1, everything is transferred through a single detachable USB cable, not four cables.

Gnarly Design: Most keyboards are pretty boring in their presentation, while others demand attention through blinding LEDs. The G-Unit finds a bit of middle ground between these two extremes with a slightly aggressive style and partial backlights that can be toned down or turned off completely.

Switchable Modes: With the press of a button, you can switch to a special Game Mode, which essentially is a fancy way of disabling the Windows key so you don't accidentally mash it during an intense online battle. In Game Mode, the Windows key acts as a Control key instead.

What We Didn't Like

Undersized Right Shift Key: Using fuzzy math, we figure that 99 percent of the G-Unit's layout fits the traditional profile of a regular plank. The 1 percent Thermaltake changed, however, takes some getting used to. The Return key is inexplicably twice as high as other keyboards, forcing Thermaltake to relocate the Backslash to the bottom of the keyboard. To make room for it down below, Thermaltake cut the size of the Right-Shift key in half, so until you get used to stretching your pinkie, you're going to hit the Backslash key by accident. This quickly becomes maddening during daily typing chores and is a drain on productivity.

Singing the Cherry MX Blues: Part of the appeal of mechanical keyboards is the satisfying 'CLICK' sound that accompanies each key press, but these are stifled with Cherry MX Black switches. If tactile feedback and audible strokes are what float your boat, look for a mechanical keyboard that uses Cherry MX Blue switches.

Our Verdict:

It's too bad Thermaltake mucked around with the layout of the Backslash and Right Shift keys, because otherwise the G-Unit gets little wrong. Subjectively, Cherry MX Black switches aren't as fun to type on as Cherry MX Blue, but for those that prefer a quiet keyboard, the G-Unit would be great as a daily typer, if not for the fact that you're going to hit the relocated Backslash key numerous times before you learn to adjust to a half-sized Right Shift key.
As a gaming plank, the G-Unit is the best suited out of all three Meka keyboards. It has dedicated macro keys, partial backlighting that's adjustable, user profiles, built-in memory to store your settings, and advanced anti-ghosting. The main features, of course, are the mechanical key switches that are rated for up to 50 million keystrokes and able to withstand the abuse inflicted by gamers. Unless you swing the G-Unit against the wall in a fit of Hulk-like rage, this keyboard should last you a decade or longer.

If you're in the market for a quiet gaming keyboard with style, be sure to add Thermaltake's Meka G-Unit to your list of potential candidates. It's a good overall choice, provided you can find a vendor that carries it.

I'm a keyboard snob, and for the past several years, I've been hammering out mostly coherent rhetoric on a mechanical keyboard. Family and friends are under strict orders to call for help -- ambulance or psychiatric -- if they ever catch me typing on a regular keyboard with those hideous membrane key switches, or even worse, a laptop keyboard (I have standards, folks).

If you've never experienced the euphoria that comes from typing on a mechanical keyboard, I genuinely feel bad for you. Outside of illegal, illicit, and R-rated activities, there are few things that compare. Yes, I'm erring on the side of dramatic, but I truly enjoy mechanical keyboards that much. Unlike traditional planks with mushy keys and/or rubber domes, mechanical keyboards use real key switches underneath every key to register key strokes with less travel. This results in less finger fatigue, especially for longwinded typists, and typically produces satisfying feedback with each stroke. And in general, mechanical keyboards are far more durable than pedestrian planks.

There are many different types of mechanical key switches with varying characteristics. Thermaltake's Meka board uses Cherry MX Black switches. These don't provide a tactile response or an audible (and satisfyingly obnoxious) "Click!" like the Cherry MX Blue switches on my Metadot Das Keyboard that I've been typing on since 2008, but this type of switch is generally preferred among gamers, for which the Meka is designed. Ready to walk the plank?

Interface: USB

2 x USB 2.0 ports

Switch lifecycle: 50 million keystrokes

Switch brand: Cherry MX Black

1000Hz polling rate

Cable length: 1.8m braided cable with cord

Body dimension: 370 (L) x 150 (W) x 35 (H) mm

Warranty: 2 years

Price: $100 (street)

What We Liked:

Doubles As A Blunt Object: Maybe your job requires that you type out TPS reports in shady neighborhoods or your workplace keeps track of how many days have passed without an employee going postal. In a pinch, Thermaltake's Meka can be used as a weapon to fend off attackers. It's made of plastic and will likely survive only one good hit -- so make it count -- but it's heavy and, by extension, sturdy. The braided cord also adds to its durability, and it's generously long to boot.

Won't Wake Your Wife/Husband: Cherry MX Black key switches are some of the quietest mechanical key switches around and are the polar opposite of Cherry MX Blue switches. You can type or frag long into the night without waking up your significant other or roommate, or at least you won't disturb the peace because of your typing (if you have a tendency to scream at your PC during intense gaming sessions, you could still find yourself in the doghouse). Since gamers tend to mash away at their keyboards at a rapid pace, your co-inhabitants will appreciate you using a quiet keyboard.

Relatively Compact: The Meka is thicker than your traditional plank, but it's not as long as most and will even fit into some laptop bags. This is great if you're always on the go, whether for business (like CES) or pleasure (LAN parties).

Built-In USB Hub: Can you ever have enough USB ports? Of course not, and the Meka comes with two USB 2.0 ports baked in, albeit they're not powered.

Anti-Ghosting: Equally appealing to gamers and fast typists alike is anti-ghosting, a feature that allows you to press multiple keys at once or in quick succession without outpacing your keyboard. The Meka can register up to 16 simultaneously key strokes, almost enough for each finger and each toe.

What We Didn't Like

May Cramp Your Style (Literally): As a gaming plank, the Meka does a serviceable job. But as a daily typer, it has a tendency to frustrate. Because of its compact design, Thermaltake rearranged some of the keys and plopped them where your fingers won't expect them to be. The Question Mark, for example, sits on the right side of the Shift key, not the left, and the Backspace button is both small and harder to reach than on a traditional layout. And on numerous occasions, I found myself accidentally pressing the Up Arrow instead of the Right Shift key, which quickly became maddening. You'll get used to the layout with time, but in the beginning, there's a definite learning curve.

Well Mannered and Quiet: If the Meka was a child, being well mannered and quiet would be worthy of a treat. But if you're buying a mechanical keyboard for the tactile feedback and audible clicks, this isn't the plank for you, nor are any of the keyboards using Cherry MX Black switches.

Lacks Gaming Amenities: Thermaltake labels this a gaming keyboard, but there aren't any real extras to speak of. No backlight, dedicated macro buttons, colored WSAD keys, audio inputs, or special software. Heck, there aren't even any media keys or a Windows key. Some of those are included on the Meka G1, but not the Meka.

Expensive: Mechanical keyboards are notoriously expensive, and this one is no exception. Luxury items always carry a premium, and this one will set you back a C-note.

Our Verdict:

Thermaltake's Meka is stuck between a rock and a hard place. It's a mechanical keyboard for gamers, but lacks standard gaming features like a backlight and macros, and is just compact enough to mess with a traditional layout, making it a subpar plank for daily typing.

The upside is that it's durable, quiet (if that's your thing), and uses mechanical key switches that register keystrokes much quicker than membrane-based keyboards. If you mash keys frantically and frequently when gaming, the Meka could potentially reduce finger fatigue, and it's built to last. I'm just not crazy about the layout, and since even gamers occasionally use their PCs for things other than blowing up their buddies in virtual words, the Meka is a tough sell, unless you're specifically looking for a compact plank. Otherwise, you should look into Thermaltake's Meka G1, which is the essentially the same keyboard but in a larger form factor with a few advanced features thrown in for good measure.

Have you ever heard of a keyboard that could do it all? The Cideko Air Keyboard Chatting (try saying that 5 times fast) says you can wirelessly type, talk and use the mouse all at the same time. I think they are giving people a little too much credit in the multitasking department. Can you handle it? Let's look at the specs.

Installation: It was very easy to install. Windows 7 found drivers for the Bluetooth USB receiver and the keyboard. Additional software is included for customizing the device. The USB receiver is kept stowed away inside the keyboard while not in-use. This makes it very handy for travel and keeping the USB receiver safe.

Responsiveness: While in the same room as the Bluetooth receiver, the receiver could read every key I pressed. It worked great. Even as this is written, I am in another room away from the computer at a distance of about 5 meters or close to 20 feet.

Usability: The Cideko keyboard's strongest point comes across as an HTPC keyboard. It has media controls which make it easy to start, pause, mute and stop movies from the computer. The "3D" mouse is responsive enough to make it easy to navigate around the screen as well.

What We Didn't Like:

Audio Recording: Playing back a recording of your own voice is never fun. Your voice never sounds the same as what you hear as you talk. Listening to a recording of your voice on this device alerted me to a high pitched whine as well as a voice that sounded muffled by static. Talking with other friends through the Cideko Air Keyboard Chatting microphone managed the same results. People through Skype heard the high pitched whine as well as the static.

Responsiveness: Although the device worked in the same room or even in an adjacent room, the same could not be said when I closed the door and sat less than 6 meters (20 feet) away. Thin basement walls should have been an easy task for such a small distance from the receiver.

Full Potential: To be honest, it is hard to find a reason for using a keyboard and chatting verbally at the same time while sitting on a couch away from the computer. We typically are multitasking, but it is much harder to hold a verbal conversation while typing to someone else through a message window. For that reason, we don't see this being used to its full potential very often.

Our Verdict:

Although the Cideko Air Keyboard Chatting works great as a keyboard, it only does a mediocre job as a wireless headset with microphone. It's even worse because it is hard enough to hold a single conversation with other people let alone several conversations verbally and textually at the same time. The mouse and keyboard are useful if you are sitting on your couch and trying to browse the internet or trying to watch a movie through your HTPC to your TV. But sometimes more is not always better; in this case, we think the same with the Cideko Air Keyboard Chatting.

When we first set down and used the Wow-Keys, we were intrigued and excited to see what this product had to offer. After about 15 minutes of use, we were frustrated and left scratching our heads. This device has some neat ideas, but in our opinion seems outdated. The only thing we were left thinking about the WoW-Keys was, "Wow, what were they thinking?"

Dual Functionality: The keyboard serves as an input device for your iDevice and when switched over to PC/Mac mode, your iDevice becomes an input device to your computer. When typing a lengthy email, tweet, IM, Facebook post or note, the keyboard does come in handy.

One-Key: Hotkeys create shortcuts for multi-tasking. With the push of one button you can perform various tasks like volume control, home and previous/next with the push of one button.

Music Player: Play, pause and browse music in apps like iTunes and Pandora using the play/pause button.

Your Covered: The Wow-Keys come with a one-year warranty.

What We Didn't Like:

Where My Ports At?: There are NO USB ports on this device!

Confusing Compatibility: The device itself will only work with a small number of devices, which we found out after plugging in our own iPhone 3G (which is not compatible). Once you have a new iPhone, this device will pretty much become obsolete.

Poor Design: Seriously, what were the designers of this keyboard thinking? Since there is a docking station on the right-hand side, the keys are crammed together. The right-hand shift, backspace and spacebar buttons are way too small and the home key is in the wrong spot altogether. It also lacks a 10 key, so you will have to download specific software to your iPhone in order to type in numbers, although there is the good old numerical row along the top. This keyboard would be way more useful if it was Bluetooth or Wi-Fi...period.

Zero Portability: I guess you could take this keyboard with you, but why? It is big, bulky and lacks modern design to boot. Not to mention that you would have to bring along a portable battery to even use it.

Apps Needed: Good luck finding the app you will need. Once docked, a message will pop up on your iDevice asking if you want to install the needed software. If you agree, you will be taken to the home page of the app store without a clue as to what app you will actually need. We had to search for the app info, which is found in very fine print in the very small user's guide.

Auto-Sync: Once the phone is plugged into the keyboard, iTunes automatically performs auto sync and that just gets annoying after the first time.

Typing in the Dark: Since the keys themselves are black, it would be nice if they were backlit.

Our Verdict:

We are not quite sure what the usefulness of the WoW-Keys actually is. Sure, you can use the keyboard to type into your iDevice and control your music with the push of a key, but it all comes down to simplicity and portability. Why make a device that makes all of these elements more complicated? For those that are not fans of the iPhone keyboard, this device could be handy, but there are few people that carry around a keyboard with them. The whole point of having a smartphone is eliminating the need to carry around a bunch of devices, and this product is like taking a step backwards. If you are looking for technology that is all about on-the-go, quick access and reply, modern design and affordability, then look elsewhere. We will stick with our good old-fashioned Mac keyboard for now because the WoW-Keys offer very little "WOW."

If you use a keyboard for a prolonged period of time, like most writers do, you're probably aware of the risks that are associated with constantly typing on a keyboard. Repetitive stress injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome are just two things that can easily sideline someone with pain, tension and significant harm. That's where ergonomics can be a lifesaver, because aligning a person's body to a natural angle should reduce potential damage.

However, instead of holding solely to this idea, Smartfish has decided to evolve the concept of ergonomics with their theory of ErgoMotion, which promotes movement to reduce inflammation and increase blood flow to your wrists and fingers. The Reflex Compact Keyboard with ErgoMotion attempts to maximize this by shifting the keyboard over time, keeping your hands and fingers moving as you type so you never get fixed in one spot. But does the Reflex Keyboard work or fall a bit flat?

Features of the Reflex Compact Keyboard with ErgoMotion:

Patented ErgoMotion technology to change and adjust position of keyboard when typing

ErgoMotion Functionality: Most planks are static, two dimensional situations that don't really move or adjust during your typing or keystrokes. Even ergonomic keyboards are a stationary experience that places your hands in different positions to reduce injury or stress on your wrists. The Reflex keyboard rotates between seven different positions as you type, varying up your placement and minimizing any impact of repetitive stress injury or carpal tunnel syndrome. Over the course of a regular work day, I've frequently moved through all seven positions, but never felt any strain on my wrists or hands where I felt like I needed to take a break from typing.

Learning Curve: It might sound like a strange thing as a positive, especially because it can take a week or so to get accustomed to the shifting and moving of the keyboard sections without feeling as though your fingers will fall in the gaps between the keys or accidentally hit the wrong keys. In fact, I frequently found myself halting all work for a while as I was distracted by the shift from one position to another.

However, once I'd gotten used to the mechanics of the keyboard, I found myself quickly and efficiently typing with the keyboard while it made its shifts, completely adjusting to the shifts in placement without slowing down at all. I even found that some of my typing speed had picked up a bit more whenever I transitioned back to non-ergonomic keyboards, which was an unexpected surprise.

No Batteries: The USB cord for the keyboard provides more than enough power for the ErgoMotion's functionality, which is nice. That way, you don't have to worry about swapping out batteries, rechargeable or not, to take advantage of the ergonomic features of the keyboard. Plus, with it being plug and play, connecting the device to any computer is extremely easy.

Customizable Keyboard: Although the keyboard is set by default to cycles through positions every 2500 strokes, it's possible to customize how often the keyboard adjusts. It's also possible to cycle through all seven different positions for the keyboard, and if you find one that you like, you can lock the keyboard into place. Of course, that essentially defeats the purpose of the ErgoMotion itself, but if you want to do it, the option is available to you...

What We Didn't Like:

Bulk of Keyboard: I've used dozens of keyboards over the years, but the Reflex keyboard was easily one of the largest and heaviest boards I've ever come across. It's 19.5" wide, 2.5" high and 8.5" deep, and it weighs in around seven pounds. By contrast, most other keyboards, including ergonomic planks, are a fraction of this device's weight. While this is attributed to the internal motor to transition between fields, it is going to take up a lot of real estate on your desk and you won't move it very much once you've placed it there.

Noisy Motor: Forget the older debate between quiet and noisy button inputs; the Reflex keyboard drowns out this argument with the sheer noise attached to its internal motor. The first time that it was used in the office, conversation quickly stopped as the keyboard noisily whirred and clicked its way into position. While we've gotten used to the extremely loud shifts from the keyboard, it's still disruptive whenever it goes off.

Pricey: The ErgoMotion keyboard sells for $150, which is very expensive for a keyboard of any variety, ergonomic or not. You can find a number of other ergonomic keyboards online and in stores for much less than the price of the ErgoMotion plank. It may be a hard sell to some consumers that the ergonomic motion is worth that much money.

Sticky Keys/Key Placement: After using the keyboard for a while, there are two things that crop up when you're typing. For one thing, some keys are oddly arranged on the keyboard, which can cause confusion or errors when you're working on something. For example, the delete key is directly on top of the backspace key, so it's extremely easy to erase the wrong thing in a document. Another issue is that many of the keys of the keyboard were inordinately sticky, requiring much more force than normal to get the keyboard to recognize an input. It's a bit ironic to have a keyboard that is designed to alleviate hand stress and repetition, but the sticky keys make you to hit the same buttons over and over with more force than normal.

No Extras: Don't expect any hotkey functions or extras that you'll see with some of the other keyboards on the market. Quick launching a browser, video player controls, USB connections for headsets or other multitasking functions aren't included. What you see is what you get.

Our Verdict:

The Reflex Ergomotion Keyboard was designed to reduce the stress on your hands and wrists with subtle adjustments as you type. By shifting through seven different positions, your hands and wrists don't get locked into one constant position, so you dramatically reduce the chances of injury. It does this job well, and if you find yourself using a keyboard for eight hours or more a day, you'll be surprised about just how fresh your hands will feel when you're done.

But it does have some big detractions as well -- it's unbelievably noisy, incredibly heavy and very expensive compared to other planks on the market, while not packing any extras. Also, the sticky keys of the keyboard detract from the purpose of the peripheral. However, if you can look past some of the issues, you'll find a good keyboard that will probably get better with successive versions.

The world of computing is all about tradeoffs, and then making decisions based on those tradeoffs. Are you looking for an ultraportable notebook? Be prepared to give up some performance in exchange for portability. And if you're looking for a desktop replacement in a mobile form factor, you'll have to sacrifice battery life to get it.

This concept extends beyond the main system and also applies to peripherals, or so we thought. Logitech appears to have made it their mission to shatter the notion that you can't build a product that excels in nearly every area. Enter the Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750, a battery-powered plank that looks sleek, is lightweight, doesn't have any cords, and is comfortable to type on. But wait a minute, isn't the tradeoff with wireless keyboards that you have to periodically change the batteries? Not on this one. The stroke of genius behind this solar keyboard is that not only does it fetch power from sunlight, but from artificial light, too. Did Logitech just build the perfect keyboard?

What We Liked:

Let There Be Light - The obvious high point of the K750 is that you'll never need to swap out the batteries. A wireless keyboard is only as good as its battery life, and this plank never stops running so long as there's a light source, even an artificial one. If you happen to live in a cave, Logitech says the K750 will last up to three months in complete darkness. For everyone else, the K750 will pull light from wherever it can get it, be it a lamp or a little bit of sun peeking through the shades. We tested the K750 in a variety of environments, including a rainy, overcast day with indoor lighting turned off. Even in this situation, the K750 still managed to pull between 35-43 LUX (according to Logitech's downloadable Solar App), which isn't great, but shows that it's constantly working to keep itself juiced up.

Overall Design - Products that are environmentally sound typically put aesthetics on the backburner, but that isn't the case here. The K750 is a gorgeous looking plank that appears to have taken a few design cues from Apple. Sleek and sexy, the back of the keyboard is all white, which extends over the top and accents the glossy black facade. The two-tone design looks sharp, and while glossy finishes inevitably attract fingerprints, Logitech includes a lint-free cleaning cloth so you can buff them out every once in a while. The K750 is also thin and light, measuring just a third of an inch thick, about the same as an iPad 2.

Chiclet Keys (With A Twist) - At first glance, we were skeptical that typing on the K750 would be any fun at all. Given its svelte stature, we thought it would be like typing on a notebook, which isn't nearly as comfortable as mashing keys on a traditional keyboard. However, Logitech did a couple of things right here. First, Logitech went with chiclet style keys, an increasingly popular design trait found on modern laptops. But Logitech took it a step further and implemented concave keys. This slight indention in the middle of the keys provides what feels like a natural resting area for your fingertips, and is the most comfortable chiclet keyboard we've ever used. It's also quiet, though the click action offers just the right amount of resistance.

Unified Dongles - So there is at least one tradeoff you'll have to make when using the K750, and that's giving up a USB port on your PC. To mitigate the issue, Logitech includes a pair of unifying dongles, including a miniature sized one that you can plop in your notebook that is barely noticeable, and a standard sized one you can stick in the back of your desktop tower. Because they're unified, you can use the same receiver simultaneously with other compatible mice and keyboards, and not have to worry about sacrificing multiple USB ports or keeping track of several receivers. And don't worry if you're hammering out a secret document, Logitech says its advanced 2.4GHz wireless connectivity includes 128-bit AES keyboard encryption.

Media Keys - The K750 is a full-sized keyboard with a dedicated numpad, but no independent media keys. Instead, they're integrated into the Function keys, which you can use by holding down the FN key. From F1 through F12, these include: Internet Home, Launch Email, Launch Windows Search, Launch Calculator, Launch Media Application, Previous Track, Play/Pause, Next Track, Mute, Volume Down, Volume Up, and Sleep Mode. If you want to use these by default, you can install Logitech's SetPoint software and invert the Function keys.

What We Didn't Like

Quiet Key Presses - The K750 is a quiet keyboard, which is great if that's your style or you plan to use it in an office environment. But if you're accustomed to mechanical keyboards like the Das Keyboard that use mechanical switches to intentionally add loud clicks, this isn't the keyboard for you.

Move Along, Gamers - This isn't a gaming plank, so don't expect to find any features that will help you frag your foes, like customizable macros and separate profiles.

Feature Thin - Remember what we said about tradeoffs? A keyboard this thin doesn't have room to accommodate a USB hub, nor are the keys backlit. We suspect the latter has more to do with extending battery life than it does the physical size of the plank.

Our Verdict:

To answer our earlier question, Logitech didn't build the perfect plank, but the company did figure out ways to lessen most of the tradeoffs you'd normally have to make with a wireless keyboard. Yes, you have to give up a USB port on your PC to plug in the receiver, but it's a unified dongle, so you can use it with multiple devices. And while this is a battery powered plank, the solar panels mean you'll never have to worry about keeping a fresh pair of batteries on hand (nor is there a battery compartment, anyway). The integrated solar panels do a wonderful job of pulling light from wherever it can get it, even on rainy days.

As a daily typer, the K750 is surprisingly comfortable. The reason we're surprised is because it's basically a laptop keyboard ported over to a dedicated plank. However, concave keys and just the right amount of resistance makes typing on the K750 much more enjoyable than that of your everyday laptop.

Not completely without tradeoffs, there's no USB hub, no backlight, and no gaming oriented features. These sacrifices were made in order to maintain a thin, light, and perpetually portable design. You'll have to decide for yourself whether or not those features are important to you. Tradeoffs aside, the Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 is yet another winning product from Logitech and is our new favorite wireless plank.

Gaming enthusiasts are very familiar with the Saitek line of PC gaming peripherals, most notably the venerable Saitek flight sticks and well-rated Eclipse and Cyborg keyboards and mice. In 2007, Mad Catz acquired Saitek. However, even though the Eclipse and Cyborg peripherals are now marketed under Mad Catz' name, rest assured that these products are still designed by the seasoned Saitek team.

Recently, Mad Catz has released a new line of Cyborg keyboards and RAT series mice. Both lines feature a futuristic aesthetic and loads of gamer-centric customizability. Today, we review the top-of-the-line MadCatz Cyborg V7 Gaming Keyboard. Despite its rather unassuming name, the V7 is Mad Catz' flagship full-sized desktop keyboard. It bears resemblance to the more widely known Eclipse keyboards but with some pretty impressive upgrades:

Like the Saitek Eclipse, the V7 is backlit. Additionally, it features five zoned sections with up to five different colors for each zone. This means you can have green backlighting for the WASD keys, red for the rest of the QWERTY keys, yellow for the numpad, orange for the hotkeys, and yellow-green for the arrow keys.

A touch panel on the top of the keyboard controls all the light settings, which are memorized even when you shut down your computer. The touch panel can also disable the Windows key during gaming and boasts simple volume and multimedia functions.

There are a total of twelve hotkeys, six on each side of the keyboard, in addition to all the keys found on a regular desktop keyboard.

All keys are laser etched, so no appliques will eventually rub off. The most used keys for gaming (WASD, spacebar, arrow keys) are chrome metal plated.

There is one USB 2.0 port, one headphone port, and one microphone port.

What We Liked

Build Quality - The V7 keyboard chassis and palmrest are plastic, but it is is hefty and well-built. The key presses are solid and clicky with excellent tactile feedback, unlike the short-throw "whisper-quiet" laptop style keys that are in vogue these days. The footprint is quite large, but that is to accommodate the separate numpad, arrow keys, and hotkeys (very useful even outside of gaming). The key caps are laser-etched for durability, and the keys that normally wear out the fastest are metal-plated. For the neat freaks, the key caps can be removed and replaced for easy cleaning of the space underneath the keys.

Backlighting - The backlighting is excellently implemented. The touch panel allows for effortless and total control over backlight settings. In dim lighting, the etched symbols are easily readable without being overly distracting. There are four different brightness levels as well as the option to turn the backlighting off completely. The zoned lighting sections look awesome, especially at night; however, it serves mainly as an aesthetic effect more than anything else. As mentioned above, the settings are remembered when you shut down your PC.

Hotkeys - The hotkeys are more sensibly designed than most other keyboards. They are very large, notched (so you can locate them by touch), and each key is labeled with a backlit symbol (C1-C12). Moreover, the hotkeys are placed at the very edge of the keyboard, making them easier to locate by touch than a floating hotkey.

Price - Although relatively pricey for a keyboard at $79.99, given the features it beats any other keyboard in its price range hands-down. In fact, it compares more to keyboards priced $99 or higher, such as the Logitech G15, the Ideazon Merc Stealth, the Razer Tarantula, or any of the boutique keyboards like the Das Keyboard.

What We Didn't Like

Key Separation - This is a minor quibble. We noticed that the keys are tapered at the top moreso than the standard keyboard. Therefore, there is less surface area on the key for us to press and we would have to stretch our fingers to reach adjacent keys. We often pressed in-between two keys, and thus both would register on the screen. Fortunately, this problem corrected itself with continued use.

Plastic Palm Rest - The palm rest is constructed of plastic much like the rest of the keyboard. Although this allows for easy cleanup, it would have been nice to have a softer covering. Even faux leather, vinyl, or some gel wrap would have sufficed.

Not Ergonomic - This keyboard does not promote a long term healthy wrist position that a true ergonomic keyboard would offer. However, the V7 is not any worse than your standard keyboard, and it is our opinion that no gaming keyboard can double as a true ergonomic keyboard; although you can eventually get used to gaming on an ergo keyboard, it is just not an optimal experience.

Verdict

This keyboard is an excellent gaming peripheral at a good price point. The keyboard is solid, hefty, and well-built. Even with the inclusion of eye candy like the user-selectable zoned backlighting, Saitek cuts no corners on functionality; this keyboard has all the features a good gaming keyboard should have. In fact, we liked this keyboard so much that we have decided to keep our review sample for regular use. Paired with the RAT 7 mouse (which we have also reviewed here), the V7 would be a perfect weapon in the PC gamer's arsenal.